Artificial-limb connecter



March 11, 1930. COLLINS 1,750,213

- ARTIFICIAL LIMB CQNNECTER Filed Dec. 29, 1928 In 'uen tar Z? l olzz'ias -r Attorny Patented Mar. 11, 1930 UNITED STATES EDWARD COLLINS, 0F TACOMA, WASHINGTON ARTIFICIAL-LIME CONN ECTER Application filed December 29, 1928. Serial No. 329,123.

This invention relates to an improved connecting device which is especially, but not necessarily adapted for connecting together the portions of sections of an artificial limb, particularly a leg structure, and it has reference to novel cooperating means for producin a more effective type of knee joint.

ore precisely stated, the invention involves the utilization of two pairs of straps and novel connection means between the complemental ends of the straps, said means embodying a joint similar to what is ordinarily known as a rule joint, together with co-acting elements for facilitating retention of the straps in perpendicular alignment while walking, also folding of the straps while in a sitting posture.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of one of the connecting devices associated with the sections of an artificial leg structure.

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the connection joint showing the means for retaining the straps in perpendicular alignment.

Figure 3 is a view showing the straps in angular relation with the retention means in ineffective position.

Figure 4 is an edge view.

Figure 5 is an exaggerated sectional view showing the cooperation of parts more in detail.

As is understood, two sets of straps are employed, and each embodies a pair of complemental rigid metal straps or bars, the upper one designated at 6, and the lower one at 7. The adjacent ends are disposed in overlapping relation at which point the metal is constructed to provide overlapping hinge portions 8 and 9 respectively. These come together in what simulates a folding rule joint. The flanges are connected to gether by the bolt 10 passing centrally therethrough and the complemental retaining nut 11, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. Cooperating with these portions 8 and 9 are cover I seat 14 when the sections are in alignment as shown in Figure 2. However, it is adapted to rest idly in the socket as shown in Figure 3, when the sections are in angular relationship. The two sections are provided with complemental stop shoulders 15 and 16, to

limit the swinging movement of the two sections, in straight and folded positions.

Obviously, the straps are screwed or otherwise rigidly fastened to the artificial leg sections 17 and 18. When these sections are in walking alignment, the retaining roller 14 is seated in the keeper seat 14 as shown in Figure 2.

However when the knee is bent for sitting position and the sections are in the relationship shown in Fig. 3, the roller is readily ejected from the keeper seat and drops into the pocket 13. The invention is described as being more restricted to use in artificial limb constructions, and as a special limb connection, it is understood that it is not to be restricted to this use. In fact, the structure is especially suitable as a joint for leg braces, such as are frequently employed by crippled persons.

A consideration of the description in connection with the drawings will permit a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is regarded as unnecessary.

I claim: 4

As a new product of manufacture, an artificial leg connector of the class described comprising a pair of complemental rigid metal straps having their adjacent ends formed with segmental flanges disposed in over1apping rotating contact, a pivot bolt passing through said flanges, one of said sections being formed adjacent its flange with a notch functioning as a pocket, a coupling roller seated in said notch, the remaining flange being formed with a peripheral notch functioning as a keeper seat for a section of said roller under predetermined conditions, 0 and spacing and cover plates carried by one section and covering said pocket, roller, and

keeper seat.

In testimony whereof I affiX my signature.

EDXVARD COLLINS. 

